3 Cars, 22 Families: Rural Carsharing That Works

Published: Thursday, April 3, 2025 at 7:41 am

Rural Carsharing: A Bavarian Village's Climate-Friendly Solution

Amerang, a small Bavarian village, is proving that car ownership isn't a necessity for rural living. Faced with long distances and infrequent buses, 22 households have embraced a unique solution: sharing just three cars. This community-driven initiative, born out of necessity, has blossomed into a model for sustainable and social mobility, inspiring similar projects worldwide.

The Amerang Carsharing Community (AmAG), founded by Tilo Teply and five other families, operates with clear rules and a strong community focus. Members pay a deposit and monthly fee, with usage-based rates. Booking is done online or by phone, and a local garage handles maintenance. Even the local municipality participates, highlighting the strong cooperation within the village.

This innovative approach offers numerous benefits. It reduces traffic congestion, frees up space in the village center, and fosters social connections. Carpooling naturally emerges, strengthening community ties. The system caters to diverse needs, from those who choose to live car-free to young adults and older residents.

The success of Amerang's model is echoed in other countries. In France's Ardèche region, residents share electric vehicles. The Netherlands' OnzeAuto promotes neighborhood-based electric car sharing, managed by residents. In Canada, the cooperative Modo operates in 25 communities, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. These initiatives highlight the power of human connection and local responsibility in creating sustainable mobility solutions.

BNN's Perspective: While carsharing isn't a perfect solution for every rural area, the Amerang model offers a compelling example of how communities can adapt and innovate to address transportation challenges. It's a testament to the power of local initiative and the potential for sustainable practices to improve both environmental and social well-being. The success hinges on community engagement and a willingness to compromise, making it a potentially replicable model for other areas facing similar challenges.

Keywords: rural carsharing, Amerang, Bavaria, sustainable mobility, carsharing community, climate-friendly, car-free living, community-driven, shared vehicles, transportation, rural living, AmAG, electric vehicles, carpooling, Netherlands, Canada, France, Ardèche, Modo, OnzeAuto, local responsibility, community engagement.

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